New Haven Banquet Hall Closed For Coronavirus Violations: Report

NEW HAVEN, CT — Quinnipiac University sent 20 students home for the remainder of the semester after confirming they attended a large party at Anthony’s Ocean View where local health officials claim there were numerous coronavirus executive order violations.

Anthony's Ocean View banquet facility was closed Friday night by city health officials for alleged coronavirus executive order violations. City Health Director Maritza Bond said it was the fourth time city officials went to the facility and the previous visits were educational visits to explain social distancing and mask use mandates, according to the New Haven Register.

On Sunday, Quinnipiac University's President Judy Olian and Chief Experience Office Tom Ellett said some students from the university attended the party on Thursday night.

"We have verified that among the attendees were students from QU, that masks were not worn, social distancing wasn’t practiced, and total attendance exceeded public health guidelines," university officials said. "The banquet facility has been shut down until further notice by the local health department."

A total of 20 students have been identified thus far and have been sent home.

"Beyond ignoring medical advice to protect one’s own health, we are incredibly disappointed by such behavior that blatantly disregards the well-being of fellow Bobcats and our larger community," the university said in a news release.

The investigation is ongoing, and any additional students identified who attended this event also will be sent home, officials said.

"Out of great care and concern for fellow students, faculty, staff and the community, we are requiring anyone else who was at the event to self-quarantine in their residence and attend classes remotely this entire week," officials said. "As a precaution, we will increase our sample testing in clusters of students identified as peers of attendees at the event to facilitate rapid containment efforts."

"This conduct is deeply disheartening. It is not representative of the overwhelming majority of our students who have worked very hard to safeguard their health and that of others this semester, and who observed the Halloween weekend responsibly," the university said.

New Haven recently moved back to phase 2 reopening rules after a spike of cases in the city. Connecticut's reopening rules mandate mask use and social distancing regardless of the phase.

Bond told the facility owner that video from Thursday night showed patrons drinking while not eating, not using masks and dancing on a dance floor, according to WTNH. She ordered the facility closed until owners came up with a plan to address the alleged violations.

Owner Anthony Delmonico said he didn't have recollection of the event, according to the New Haven Independent.